Hi Russ,
I'm sure traffic can be intense around here but we don't try it at the bad times anyway. Breezed around and went to the Heard Museum and their sale, Ham Radio Outlet, and IKEA with no traffic problems. Living in the 'burbs is no solution, you are stuck with traffic no matter what you do. I do prefer places with compact, walkable downtowns and Mill St. in Tempe was nice--I rode my bike there too.
We are off to Tucson Sunday.
Regards,
--Steve, Jodie, and Posie Cat